BMI or ASCAP

[tomyco]

I'm at the point in my career that I need to join one of these royalty companies. I would like to get feedback from some of you pro's on the pro's and cons of both BMI and ASCAP. Thank you!

[unwoman]

I'm not here to answer you, but rather to say, I was just about to ask the same thing. So I'll be watching people's replies too.And also -- are there any big advantages to trying to join SESAC? Thanks!

[ddusty]

I think they are all fairly similar. do some google searches of bmi vs ascap, there are plenty of discussions out there.You will here things positive/negative from both sides. There seems to be a leaning for independent artists to use BMI (which we happen to be a member of) but i don't really see any great difference.Go to both of their sites and poke around, i don't think there is a wrong answer.RobFWIW, rebekah had the 4th most played album of 2006 on our local station here (wmnf.org) with a few smattering of plays through the country (almost all college or community radio).Needless to say none of these spins showed up on the "sample playlist" that BMI (or ASCAP) is going to use. (i.e. not a penny from BMI)I know you can get the playlists and hunt them down, but I don't think the amount is worth the effort (yet)Rob

[matto]

This question comes up about once every six months, try doing a search going back a ways and you should find some good info.The basic bottom line is it's not a question worth agonizing over...contact the writer's relations office for your region and see who treats you better...

[ciskokidd]

Hi tomyco,I think you will find it is 6 of one and half dozen of the other. I can only really speak for BMI. I have been with them for over 12 years and have no complaints. They have handled any issues I have had quickly and with minimal prodding from me.I've also spoken to ASCAP members who have similar feelings toward their PRO, so there you go. Look at each website. Contact the closest office to your location for both PROs and see how well you are treated by each. The process is pretty painless.Best regards,Cisco

[tedsingingfox]

FWIW, I was told point blank (during a songwriter's workshop...by a pretty successful writer) that SESAC is the way to go, 'cause they're all about building relationships and are more likely to take a phone call from a small time writer/affiliate. so I went to their website and was told they need to preview the work of the writers they welcome into the fold.OK. I can live with that.So I emailed 3 of their contact people, explaining who I was and WHY I was choosing SESAC. I never heard one word back from anyone. So after a couple of follow-up emails and STILL waiting nearly two weeks, in my opinion, they ran out of time.I'm now a BMI affiliate. And Cisco is right. The process is simple, quick, and painless.Ted

[stick]

BMI forever here. No complaints. I get a royalty check every quarter. I get a few pennies from all over the world.